The Ultimate Long Weekend Guide to Milan

The best place to kick your Milan trip off would be to visit the Cathedral, especially early in the morning to snap the best pictures as the square outside the Cathedral can become flooded with tourists very quickly.

Opposite the Galleria is the Royal Palace of Milan which is now a cultural hub and houses different art exhibitions. 

A current photography exhibition within the Palace is a showcase of Phillippe Halsmans’ work and background, including photographs of Marylin Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and Oppenheimer, which ends in September.

Just a short walk from the Palace and the Cathedral is the Sforzesco Castle, which is a mediaeval fortress and one of the largest in Europe. 

The 15th century castle includes courtyards, moats and towers making it an impressive building.

Close to the castle is the vast Sempione Park, spanning over 47 hectares, which is well worth the walk around. 

The garden itself was built in the late 19th century, and it was based upon a traditional English garden.

Once you have strolled through the park you will see the grand Arco della Pace, which is also known as the ‘Arch of Peace’. 

Built in 1807 to commemorate Napoleon’s victories, the Arch now famously represents peace.

Housing some of the most iconic Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century, the Brera Art Gallery is situated inside a 19th century former monastery. 

Inside the gallery is a grand array of prominent art pieces, including works by Raphael and Picasso.

 It wouldn’t be a trip to the fashion capital of Europe without a look around the city’s fashion district. 

For the best shopping experience stick to the two main roads in the shopping quarter, Via Monte Napoleone and Via Della Spiga, and you simply cannot go wrong. 

There is a great mixture of luxurious heavyweights, Milanese boutiques and your typical international chains, making it an ideal way to spend an afternoon regardless of your budget.

Located in the heart of the fashion district is the Palazzo Morando Costume museum which is home to clothing, artwork and accessories from the 17th century up until the 21st century. 

A fascinating museum which allows you to appreciate how the evolution of Milan unfolded through its collection of artwork and clothing.

A contemporary art must see is the Fondazione Prada museum, which is only a short journey on the metro from the city centre. 

Situated in a former distillery from the 1910s, the museum itself is extremely impressive whilst being surrounded by a mixture of modern architecture and existing buildings.

Within the Fondazione Prada museum is a cafe named Bar Luce, which was designed by Wes Anderson in 2015, an American filmmaker. 

Created to replicate a typical Milanese cafe, Bar Luce is reminiscent of the 1950s with its retro pastel aesthetic and is a great spot to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

A short bus journey will take you to the Mudec museum which is a museum based upon the heritage and underlying culture in which Milan is built upon. 

The museum is filled with striking exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, which references the city’s link to multiculturalism throughout history.

To round off your trip to Milan, a visit must be paid to the Navigli canal district which dates back to the year 1177. 

Whilst the charming district can seem relaxed, a stroll down the bustling Naviglio Grande reflects the neighbourhood's lively spirit, with the canal encompassed with plenty of restaurants and bars.